New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department Five Year Master Plan Table of Contents

I. New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department Overview Project Overvi......ew......... ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............1 Policy Statement . ............. ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............2 Goals of the Park Plan ...... ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............2 Definition of New Albany-Floyd County Park Planning Area ...... ............. .............. .............2 Park Board and Park Department Organizational Structure....... ............. .............. .............3 New Albany-Floyd County Department Staff................ ............. ............. .............. .............3 Office Information ............. ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............3 II. Planning Area Natural Features and Landscapes .. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............4 Geology and Soils ............. ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............5 Water Resources ............. ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............5 Man-Made, Historical and Cultural Amenities ............. ............. ............. .............. .............6 Cultural Amenities ............. ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............7 Festivals.............. ............. ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............7 Other Recreational and Cultural Activities.................... ............. ............. .............. .............7 Historical Context of Parks System . ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............8 III. Community Demographic Profile Demographic Profile.......... ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............9 Population ........... ............. ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............9 Age Distribution... ............. ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............10 Race and Ethnicity ............ ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............11 Employment and Income... ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............11 Educational Attainment ..... ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............11 Poverty Rate ....... ............. ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............12 IV. Park Facility Inventory and Programming Assessment Existing Facilities Conditions........... ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............13 Management and Budgetary Summary ....................... ............. ............. .............. .............15 Parks Department Activities Programming................... ............. ............. .............. .............16 Parks Facility Analysis ...... ............. ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............17 Recreational Facilities Standards Analysis................... ............. ............. .............. .............17 Parkland Standards Analysis .......... ............................ ............. ............. .............. .............18

Neighborhood Parks Service Area Analysis .. ............. .............. ............. ............. ..............19 Community Parks Service Area Analysis....... ............. .............. ............. ............. ..............19 Analysis Conclusion......................... ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................20 V. Accessibility and Universal Design Statement of Accessibility................ ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................22 Current Accessibility ........................ ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................22 System Wide Improvements............ ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................22 VI. Community Needs Assessment Public Participation .......................... ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................24 General Discussion ......................... ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................25 Investment Alternatives ................... ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................25 Current Utilization ............................ ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ..............25 Increase taxes or fees ..................... ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................26 City/County Results Discussion....... ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................26 Survey Conclusions ........................ ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................27 Public Forums..... ............................ ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................28 VII. Priorities and Action Schedule Park Board –Master Plan Goals ...... ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................31 Planning Comments and Recommendations. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................31 Continuing Goals Statement............ ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................32 Administrative and Financial Recommendations ......... .............. ............. ............. ............................33 Programming Recommendations .... ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................33 Facilities Recommendations( Neighborhood Parks) .... .............. ............. ............. ............................34 Facilities Recommendations (Community Parks) ........ .............. ............. ............. ............................35 Facilities Recommendations (Special Use Parks) ....... .............. ............. ............. ............................35 Implementation Matrix ..................... ............. ............. .............. ............. ............. ............................36 APPENDIX A Planning Area APPENDIX B Parks Board Membership APPENDIX C Parks Department Staff APPENDIX D Parks Inventory APPENDIX E Parks Programming APPENDIX F Park Service Area Rings APPENDIX G Public Hearing

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I. NEW ALBANY-FLOYD COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

PROJECT OVERVIEW Planning for parks and recreation is a vital endeavor to insure not only the quality of life for a community, but, also enhance its economic development and community development efforts. Using a rational planning methodology, the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Five Year Plan is divided into the following categories:

1. Examination and defining the current physical, economic, and social conditions of the community.

2. Defining the current level of service for the existing parks facilities. 3. Analyzing the public facilities needs, present financing and budgeting,

parks and recreational programming. 4. Gathering public input through a variety of formats to insure all

stakeholders were represented during the planning process. 5. Development of a priorities action plan with implementation goals for

the next five year period for the community parks’ system. The plan encompasses improvements needed to existing facilities, development of new park/recreation areas, and an examination of the fiscal requirements necessary to meet these needs. Communities must have a current five-year park and recreation master plan to be eligible for participation in the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Program in Indiana. The New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Master Plan were prepared in conformance with the regulations of the Planning Guidelines for Parks and Recreation published by the Indiana

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Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Outdoor Recreation. Approval of the plan by IDNR will make the community eligible for available state and federal funding opportunities. Policy Statement The New Albany-Floyd County Parks Board Policy Statement is the following: “The New Albany-Floyd County Parks Board, through the New Albany-Floyd County Department of Parks and Recreation, provides recreational facilities and programming for use by residents of the community and county.” The following statement conveys the Parks Board’s relationship and general obligations to the community of New Albany and Floyd County: “The New Albany-Floyd County Department of Parks and Recreation is a tax supported City/County governmental agency whose mission is to provide and promote a wide variety of recreational and leisure time activities for the citizens it serves.” Goals of a Parks Plan The purpose of a comprehensive park and recreation plan is to provide a competent guide for the actions of the Parks and Recreation Board and to determine the recreation potential of the planning area. With a clear understanding of existing and future needs, the New Albany-Floyd County Park and Recreation board's activities can be directed towards the future recreational needs of the community.

The 2008-2013 New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Master Plan provides a pro-active framework for implementation of project priorities identified in the plan. This planning process also should become an integral component for land use policies and land use decision-making in the City of New Albany and the unincorporated areas of Floyd County. In 2007, The New Albany-Floyd County Department of Parks and Recreation utilized the services of the Floyd County Long Range Planning staff to update and improve on the master plan. The plan was prepared in consultation with the New Albany-Floyd County Department of Parks and Recreation board and staff. Public participation in the planning process was encouraged throughout preparation of the plan through a formal survey process, a series of public meetings, a public hearing advertised and held per Indiana requirements and a planning workshop for board members. Definition of New Albany-Floyd County Park Planning Area The planning area for the New Albany-Floyd County Department of Parks and Recreation is the municipal boundaries of the City of New Albany and all of the unincorporated areas of Floyd County. (See, Appendix A) The combined Park Board administers the parks and recreation programs for the City of New Albany and for the area of the county outside the city limits. Floyd County includes Franklin, Georgetown, Greenville, Lafayette and New Albany Townships. The population of New Albany and Floyd County, respectively, as of the 2000 Census was 37,603 and 70,823.

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Park Board and Park Department Organizational Structure The New Albany-Floyd County Parks Board exists under Indiana Parks and Recreation Law (IC 36-10-3) and all appointments are made in accordance with the law. The New Albany-Floyd County Parks Board consists of 10 members. The Park Board elects a President, Vice President and Secretary annually. Members are selected by the following entities:

Floyd County Circuit Court Mayor of New Albany Floyd County Council Floyd County Commissioners

Appendix B lists the current officers and members of the Parks Board and their terms of office. Parks and recreation planning is provided by both the professional departmental staff and by professional consultants. Planning and grant applications for small-scale projects are completed by the staff from the City/County Planning Departments and Parks Departments. Master Planning is being completed as a collaborative effort between the Parks Department and the Floyd County Planning Staff. Major facility projects are contracted to professional architectural/engineering consultants. New Albany-Floyd County Department Staff Fifteen full-time staff members operate the Parks and Recreation Department. Part-time and seasonal employees number approximately fifty. Appendix C

lists the full-time employees and their roles in the New Albany-Floyd County Department of Parks and Recreation. The Board holds public meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 1721 Ekin Avenue at 7:00 P.M. Following is the address and phone number of the Parks Department: New Albany-Floyd County Department of Parks and Recreation 1721 Ekin Avenue New Albany, IN 47150 (812) 948.5360 www.nafcparks.org

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II. PLANNING AREA

Natural Features and Landscapes

New Albany and Floyd County are bounded on the south by the Ohio River and to the north, east and west by Washington, Clark and Harrison counties respectively. The County has three municipal governments in addition to the County government. Within Floyd County, there is the City of New Albany, Town of Georgetown and the Town of Greenville. Additionally, there are several unincorporated areas such as Floyds Knobs, Galena, Navilleton and Edwardsville which have been focal points for their respective areas.

Ranging from a high elevation of nearly 1,000 feet to a low elevation of less than 380 feet, the topography of the area is characterized by two distinct types. This topography of the County varies from flat lowlands along the Ohio River to expansive knobs overlooking the river valley. The remainder of the community consists of rolling highlands with areas of steep slopes intersecting the county. United States Geological Survey land cover maps depict the two most dominant land covers are deciduous forest and pastures. These land uses comprise over 70 percent of the total land uses for the County. The forested areas are scattered throughout the county with the highest concentration located in the southern section of the County. Agricultural uses such as crop land and pasture account for almost 50 percent of the total land uses. The Floyd County Assessor’s data shows that 51,805 acres or seventy (70) percent of the total land uses has been assessed for agricultural uses.

This topography provides for many streams and drainage courses in the planning area. These can be grouped into the following major drainage basins: the Bear Creek Basin, the Big Indian Creek Basin, the Buck Creek Basin, the Ohio River Basin, and the Silver Creek Basin. Two of these basins, Ohio River and Silver Creek, have extensive flood plains. The southeastern portion of the county includes flat lowlands of the Ohio River floodplain.

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The City of New Albany is located in the lowland areas of the County. The proximity to the Ohio River and being downstream from the Falls of the Ohio made the City an attractive location for shipping interested in the 1800s. Geology/Soils

The geology of an area can dictate the location of infrastructure and the types of structural requirements are required by a community. In Floyd County, certain area in the western section of the county can be depicted as karst or having karst-like characteristics.

Karst geological characteristics consist of layers of limestone and sandstone prone to underground erosion by groundwater. Special consideration should be in place in terms of development in these areas.

The soils of Floyd County have been classified into three general associations:

Crider-Grayford:

Deep, well-drained, nearly level to steep soils that have a medium-textured to fine-textured subsoil and is found over limestone on uplands;

Cincinnati-Trappist:

Deep and moderately deep, well-drained gently sloping to strongly sloping soils that have a medium-textured to fine-textured subsoil on terraces and flood plains;

Zanesville-Gilpin-Rardin: Moderately deep and deep, well drained and moderately well drained, gently sloping to steep soils that have a medium-

textured to fine textured subsoil; over sandstone, siltstone and shale on uplands.

These soils represent the predominant soils makeup of Floyd County. They can reasonably support most types of outdoor recreation development. Many scattered tree stands remain throughout the planning area. The most extensive of the wooded areas lies along the Knobs. Water Resources The primary water resource is the Ohio River. There is approximately 11 miles) of shoreline with the Ohio River in Floyd County. Part of this shoreline has been designated as an Ohio River Greenway. This Greenway project spans from the City of Jeffersonville in Clark County through the Town of Clarksville and along the City of New Albany shoreline. The City of New Albany portion of the Greenway consists of the following features. The New Albany section of the Greenway Corridor will begin at the City's eastern edge at Silver Creek. The new bridge will allow pedestrians, bicyclists and passenger vehicles a direct route along the Ohio River. This route will be highlighted by old growth river forest that will remain essentially in-tact, and a former landfill area that the City plans to renovate. The Greenway will continue along a route under the historic K & I Bridge. The City is hopeful that an eventual connection to the K & I will allow the pedestrian and bicycle enthusiast access to the Louisville Riverwalk; this could permit a complete loop trail around the Falls of the Ohio by linkage to the Big Four Bridge in Jeffersonville. As the Greenway continues westward it will be bordered to the north by the concrete portion of the floodwall. While this area is very narrow, it has some of the most pristine views of the Ohio River.

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Immediately adjacent to the Greenway Corridor and west of the existing Sixth Street connection, New Albany has plans for a significant downtown revitalization. The City is developing a combination of both public and private investments. Scribner Place will be developed in phases with a natatorium, a new YMCA, and a plaza area opening directing to the riverfront. The Greenway Plan includes additional cuts in the levee to allow free and open access of pedestrians and bicycles to the riverfront and the multiuse path. This additional access will permit greater utilization of the New Albany Amphitheater area. The most western part of the Greenway, extending to West 10th Street, is a wide and underutilized area that will permit additional recreational activities with a new boat ramp, picnic areas and potential private development. 1 Throughout the County, there numerous small streams and creeks, the largest of these creeks would be Little Indian Creek. This creek meanders throughout the heart of Floyd County. As part of the County’s Major Thoroughfare Study, this creek corridor was identified for additional planning studies for the possible creation of a multi-use trail that would connect the Floyds Knobs area to the Highlander Point commercial district and to local schools. Man-Made, Historical and Cultural Amenities Historic Context One of the smallest counties in the State of Indiana, Floyd County was one of the first areas to be settled in the late 1700s. The City of New Albany was platted in 1813 and named after the New York City of Albany. The existing Buffalo Trail was a main transportation links. Buffalo Trail was an Indian trail that was used by the settlers to move inland into the Floyd County. The actual trail stretched from New Albany to Vincennes, IN.

In terms of historic structures and buildings, the City of New Albany has a rich inventory of historic home and buildings located in its downtown area. In an attempt to keep these historic structures from being replaced, the City has incorporated several historic districts throughout the downtown area. These districts show a great diversity of use, scale, style, and historic streetscapes.

Most structures in the central business district area are Italianate in style; however, there are some Federal buildings that have survived as well. Other styles such as Victorian and Renaissance Revival are also present. Second Baptist Church located on Main Street was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad for slaves seeking

freedom when it was known as the Second Presbyterian Church during 1800s. In terms of the unincorporated areas of the County, Floyd County’s Historic Properties inventory indicates the county has approximately 82 properties in the unincorporated portions of the county which have been measured as having some degree of historic significant. The historic properties inventory is extremely dated. The current inventory was completed in 1978. Efforts are underway to update the historic properties inventory for the unincorporated areas of Floyd County. Additionally, Floyd County also has two historic/scenic by-ways that pass through the community.

Second Baptist Church, New Albany

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Cultural Amenities The community has several cultural amenities in the renovated Carnegie Center for Art and History. The former New Albany library hosted several art and historical exhibits throughout the year. One of the permanent exhibits is the Yenowine Exhibit. This is a series of hand craved, animated diorama depicting scenes from early life in Indiana. Additionally, the New Albany-Floyd County Library also host several exhibits ranging from model trains to quilting exhibits for the general public. In terms of historic significance, the Culbertson Mansion, a Victorian mansion named for one of the leading Indiana business leaders of the time, William Culbertson is open to the public throughout the year. The Scribner House built by one of New Albany’s founders, Joel Scribner, contains artifacts from New Albany’s founding family. It is operated by the Piankeshaw Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. 2 Festivals

Honored by the Library of Congress Bicentennial Local Legacies Project in 2000, Harvest Homecoming, a festival drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to New Albany, Indiana, has been thriving and growing for 40 years. It was conceived as a means of bringing the people of southern Indiana together to share in its wealth of talent, historic background and beauty.

Over 300 booths line the streets of downtown New Albany the last four days of the festival which is held in early October. A separate Juried Art Show section was added in 2000. It is estimated over 600,000 people visit the booth area, encompassing seven city blocks and featuring crafts, and games. Many charitable organizations, churches and civic groups are able to raise enough money during booth days to support outreach programs year-round. 3

Other Recreational and Cultural Activities

New Albany and Floyd County are located between numerous nearby recreational resources in Indiana to the west and Louisville across the river to the east. These include forests such as:

• Harrison-Crawford State Forest • Jackson-Washington State Forest • Hoosier National Forest • Clark State Forest

All of these areas have a variety of recreational opportunities including swimming, boating, fishing, playgrounds, horseback riding trails, hiking the Knobstone Trail runs through the Clark and Jackson-Washington Forests. Knobstone Trail is the longest continuous hiking trail in Indiana and camping facilities are also available on the trail.

Southern Indiana has numerous limestone caves. Marengo Cave and Squire Boone Caverns offer regular tours. In addition, there are local groups which explore numerous private caverns throughout the area. There are two major lakes in southern Indiana near New Albany and Floyd County which provide recreational activity. These are Patoka Lake and Lake Monroe.

There are numerous public and private golf courses in the area including Wooded View at Clarksville, Chariot Run in Elizabeth and the Metro Parks system of courses in Louisville. In addition to Valley View and Cherry Valley Golf Course operated by the Parks Department, New Albany Country Club is a nine hole private course located off Graybrook Lane in New Albany.

In addition to the areas mentioned above, there are two areas of special natural interest in the area:

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• The Bernheim Forest in Louisville is the legacy of an influential physician, the area features extensive landscaping, native trees, etc. as well as acres of natural woodland with trails and roadways carefully located to avoid intruding on the natural beauty of the area.

• Closer to New Albany is the Falls of the Ohio State Park. This area features an interpretive center and opportunities to understand and see the fossils in the Falls which date into the millennia.

Finally, recreational opportunities in Louisville include: a state of the art skate park; the Louisville Zoo; Four Street Live; University of Louisville athletics; the Six Flags Kingdom Amusement Park and the Kentucky State Fair and Exposition Center. Historical Context of Parks The City of New Albany initiated formal parks and recreation planning with creation of a Parks and Recreation Board in the 1930’s. In the 1960’s, Sam Peden, director of the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department, worked with planning officials to establish a County Park Board that would be responsible for park development in the county. The two Parks Boards met once annually in a joint session and held joint jurisdiction over the system’s major park, Sam Peden Community Park, and the Camille Wright Pool. In 1994, the separate Parks Boards and Departments were merged into one unit serving all citizens of Floyd County.

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III. Community Demographic Profile

Demographic Profile

The demographic profile of Floyd County will provide the Parks Department with information regarding the population, age, race, employment, and income information, educational attainment, and poverty status. Knowing the characteristics of the population residing within Floyd County gives the Parks Department an opportunity to determine who is using the parks, and what type of facilities and programming to offer as a result. The data used for the demographics section was derived from the 2000 U.S. Census, Sample File 3 data. Each section is broken down according to census tracts for a more detailed analysis.

Population

The recorded population in Floyd County is 70,823 people as reported by the US Census Bureau in the 2000 census. The City of New Albany had a population of 37,603 in the last decennial census. The American Community Survey provides a brief snapshot on demographics between decennial censuses. In 2006, the survey estimated the population of the county at 72,570. The latest American Community Survey indicates that the County distribution of gender is 47.8 percent of the population is male and 52.2 percent is female. American Community Survey did not report data on the City of New Albany. The median age for the County was determined to be 38.1 years which is slightly younger than the national average.

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Map III.1 Census Tract Map Percentage of Population/Park Locations

712

710.03

710.04

711.01

711.02

710.01

706

708.01

705

709.01708.02

707

703.01

702704703.02

706705

710.01

708.01

708.02

709.01

707

703.01

702704

703.02

710.03

709.02

710.01

712

712

711.02

Floyd County Census Tracts City of New Albany Census Tracts

Legend

New Albany-Floyd County Park Facilities

Census TractsPopulation as Percent of Total

2.458241% - 3.313895%

3.313896% - 4.364401%

4.364402% - 6.461178%

6.461179% - 9.865439%

9.86544% - 16.949296%

Using Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping, a map of the County’s population and parks was developed. The map depicts the percentage of the total population in each of the census tracts and the location of each of the community’s community and neighborhood park facilities. From this mapping analysis, the darker colored census tracts have a higher percentage of the total population of the County with the lighter color tracts having less of the total percentage.

Age Distribution The age distribution shows the percentage of the total population according to each census tract. This information is useful when determining which parks are utilized by various age groups and planning age appropriate programming and facilities. Table III.1 – Age Distribution based on Census Tracts 702 703.01 703.02 704 705 706 707 708.01 708.02Under 1 to 9 16% 11% 13% 12% 13% 12% 15% 23% 12%10 to 17 10% 7% 8% 11% 11% 10% 10% 10% 10%18 to 24 12% 6% 8% 11% 11% 8% 9% 10% 9%25 to 34 15% 15% 16% 17% 13% 11% 11% 15% 14%35 to 44 16% 15% 18% 20% 15% 16% 15% 8% 14%45-54 15% 12% 13% 13% 12% 18% 14% 8% 12%55 to 64 4% 12% 9% 6% 9% 10% 9% 7% 11%65 + 11% 22% 14% 10% 17% 13% 18% 18% 18% 709.01 709.02 710.01 710.03 710.04 711.01 711.02 712 Under 1 to 9 10% 14% 15% 13% 13% 15% 14% 15% 10 to 17 11% 12% 12% 14% 15% 14% 15% 12% 18 to 24 9% 9% 8% 6% 8% 7% 7% 9% 25 to 34 12% 14% 13% 10% 10% 13% 9% 13% 35 to 44 17% 20% 18% 20% 19% 21% 19% 16% 45-54 15% 12% 15% 17% 16% 14% 18% 15% 55 to 64 10% 7% 8% 12% 10% 8% 10% 6% 65 + 16% 12% 10% 9% 8% 7% 7% 13%

Census tract 708.01 had the highest percentage of children under the age of 9 with 23 percent of the total population of the tract being in this age group.

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On the other end of the age distribution scale, census tract 703.01 was significantly higher with 22 percent of its population being 65 years old or older in comparison to the County’s percentage of 12.4. Other tracts with significantly higher older populations include the following: 705, 707, 708.01, 708.02 and 709.01. Race and Ethnicity The racial composition of Floyd County is predominately White at 93.26%. The racial distribution shows that the three census tracts with the highest percentage of African American/Black residents are tracts 702 (8.1%), 707 (22.2%), and 708.01 (20.1%). For the entire county, 4.56% are African American. The other small minority that makes up 1.31% of the total Floyd County population are 2 or more races. Employment & Income The average median income for 27,532 households in Floyd County in the year 2000 was $44,022. Approximately one-third of the household income is between $50,000 and $99,999. Table III.2 Median Household Income based on Census Tract

Census Tract Median Household Income

702 $26,493703.01 $44,028703.02 $36,492704 $24,705705 $24,460706 $52,660707 $28,059708.01 $15,575

708.02 $37,462 709.01 $45,866 709.02 $28,111 710.01 $57,097 710.03 $57,839 710.04 $55,714 711.01 $52,800 711.02 $68,290 712 $51,076 Floyd County $44,022

Source: US Census Bureau 2000 Census The lowest median household income per census tract is 708.01 with $15,578, and the highest is 711.02 at $68,290. There are a total of 35,899 people age 16 and older that are employed within Floyd County. The highest percentages of workers are employed in the manufacturing industry sector (20%) and the educational, health and social services sector (20%). Educational Attainment The U.S. 2000 Census surveyed the educational attainment of residents that are 25 years or older. The largest percentages of educational attainment for the entire county have some school (18%), a high school diploma (33%), and have attended some college but do not have a degree (23%). These percentages are important indicators of the income level, and the type of employment present in Floyd County. The lowest amount of educational attainment is concentrated in census tracts 702, 705, and 709.02. The total percentage of individuals 25 years and older that have an Associate’s degree or higher in Floyd County is (26%). The census tracts with the highest educational attainment are 710.01 (35%), 711.02 (36%), and 710.03 (37%).

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Poverty Rate The poverty level in each census tract indicates the income level that under the government definition of poverty. The census tracts with the highest percentage of the population below poverty level are 708.01 (42%), 707 (23%), and 702 (23%). Within these census tracts are located Binford Park, Bicknell Park, Anderson Park, Division Street Park, and Griffin Street Center.

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IV. Park Facility Inventory and

Programming Assessment

Existing Facilities Conditions Twenty three parks are under the direct jurisdiction of the Parks Board. In addition, there are four supervised playgrounds/facilities not under the jurisdiction of the Parks Department but which have programs administered by part-time recreation directors of the New Albany Housing Authority. The Parks Department also operates several special use facilities under various partnership arrangements. These include park facilities at: Fairmont Elementary School; S. Ellen Jones Elementary School; and the Valley View Golf Club which is a municipally-owned regulation 18-hole golf course leased to the Valley View Golf Association through the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Board. Cherry Valley Golf Course and Billy Herman Baseball Complex are also examples of these types of partnerships. The purpose of this section is to document existing Parks and Recreation administration, facilities, and programs in New Albany and Floyd County. The area has 684 acres of parks. The New Albany-Floyd County Park system is composed of four classifications of parks. These are regional, community, neighborhood, and special. The classification of New Albany-Floyd County’s parks is generally based on the NRPA standards. While none of the parks fit the NRPA’s categories precisely, the system is an excellent basis on which to evaluate existing parks and future needs. New Albany-Floyd County’s parks are functionally defined as follows:

• Regional/metropolitan parks: This class includes major parks serving a radius of 3 to 15 miles as well as generally being within one hour drive. These park sizes are normally 200 or more acres with areas of natural quality for outdoor recreation and typically include play areas, trails, golf courses, day camps, major sports centers. While only the Valley View Golf Course fits the criteria to be defined as a

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regional/metropolitan park, however, the appropriate designation would be as a special use park facility for the golf course.

• Community parks: By NRPA standards these parks should encompass 10 to 75 acres and serve as a supplement to smaller neighborhood parks. Community parks, by NRPA standards offer such activities as swimming, lighted ball fields, tennis courts, and are located on or near a major thoroughfare. Cultural and indoor recreation facilities may also be located on community parks.

The New Albany-Floyd County Park system has five parks that are located on major thoroughfares and generally meet the size criteria for parks that typically serve people throughout the community and are over ten acres in size. The parks that meet this classification are Gary

Cavan/Edwardsville Park, Galena-Lamb Park, Greenville Park, Letty Walter Park, Woodlands and Sam Peden Community Park.

• Neighborhood parks: These parks by NRPA standards are less than 10 acres in area and serve a walking population. These parks serve a radius of ½ mile and generally 1,000 to 5,000 populations. These parks serve all age groups with playgrounds, ball fields, shelters, table, benches, and picnic areas. The parks that generally meet this classification are: Binford Park, Bicknell Park, Fairmont School Park, Griffin St. Center, Herman Collier Park, Joe Kraft Park, Millerwood Park, Sertoma Park. SE Jones School Park and the Division St. Park.

Special use/purpose parks: New Albany-Floyd County has eight

facilities that have been identified as having a special purpose or use. Anderson Softball Park Facility, Billy Herman Baseball Facility, Camille Wright Swimming Pool, Cannon Acres Soccer Complex, Cherry Valley Golf Course, Ekin Street Boys and Girls Club Facility, Southern Indiana Sports Complex, and Valley View Golf Course are defined as being a special use park facility.

Administration Facilities: The Ekin Avenue Center also serves as the

Parks Main Office as well as a Boys and Girls Club. The Herb Jenkins Center serves as the Parks Maintenance Facility and, the Bud Flynn Center serves as a computer lab, game room and storage site for the Dare to Care feeding program. The breakdown of facilities is listed under the following headings:

Community Parks

Galena-Lamb Park Gary Cavan Park Greenville Park Letty Walter Park Sam Peden Community Park Woodland Park

Neighborhood Parks

Bicknell Park Binford Park Division Street Fairmont Park

Playground at Sertoma Park

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Griffin St. Center Herman Collier Park Joe Kraft Park Millerwood Park SE Jones Park Sertoma Park

Special Use Parks

Anderson Park Billy Herman Baseball Facility Camille Wright Swimming Pool Cannon Acres Soccer Complex Cherry Valley Golf Course Ekin Avenue Ed Endres Boys and Girls Club Southern Indiana Sports Complex Valley View Golf Course

Administration Facilities

Ekin Avenue Administration Building Bud Flynn Center Herb Jenkins Center

Each of the New Albany Parks Facilities is listed individually in Appendix D. Management and Budgetary Summary The budget process for the Department of Parks and Recreation involves submission annually of a budget to the Floyd County Council and to the New Albany City Council. The City Council is responsible for funding 53% of the Parks budget and the County Council is responsible for funding 47%.

The aforementioned percentages reflect the County population census of 2000. However, 2005 census projections show that the population of New Albany is shrinking while the population outside of New Albany is growing. Table IV. 1 Five Year Parks Department Operating Fund

Above is the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department five year operating budget history. 2007 figures are on-going and the year end balances are not available at the time of the writing of this plan. The overall history shows the park’s operation budget has remained relatively flat over the course of the past five years. Over the past two years, the revenue has actually decreased slightly by 2.4 percent. The expenditure line item has fluctuated over the course of the budget period. The department has been increasing its ending balance each of the past three years and has created a beginning balance from $34,312 to $180,582.

Parks Operating Fund

Year Beginning Balance

% change Revenue

% change Expenditures

% change

Ending Balance

% change

2003 $353,603.14 $744,917.97 $1,064,319.25 $34,132.92 2004 $34,312.92 -90.3% $1,246,943.97 67.4% $1,202,369.12 13.0% $78,887.77 131.1% 2005 $78,887.77 129.9% $1,206,833.60 -3.2% $1,129,831.49 -6.0% $155,889.88 97.6% 2006 $155,889.88 97.6% $1,216,861.20 0.8% $1,192,168.44 5.5% $180,582.64 15.8% 2007 $180,582.64 15.8%

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The main sources of the New Albany-Floyd County Park and Recreation Department are a Land and Water Conservation Grant and the funds collected through the Cumulative Capital Fund established by the City of New Albany. The revenue has fluctuated with the approval of grants in the five year time period and the overall balance has decreased as the department has conducted several capital improvement projects throughout the parks system. Table IV. 2 Parks Cumulative Capital Fund

Parks Department Activities Programming

The Parks and Recreation Department offers a diversified recreation program which runs year around. The fall, winter, spring, and summer program sessions provide recreational opportunities ranging from free play activities to special events such as trips to regional attractions.

The fall, winter and spring programs include free play activities at three locations within the New Albany Housing Authority, and the Griffin St. Center. Activities are oriented to outdoors recreation and game rooms. The purpose

of the free play activities program is to provide recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities to residents within the adjoining neighborhood by offering both structured and non-structured activities such as puppet shows, movies, arts and crafts, table games, organized sports and free play. The fall, winter and spring programs also provide adult sport leagues, includes softball and basketball.

The summer youth programming includes organized and supervised playgrounds, tennis, golf, swimming lessons, spray pools, the swimming pool, men’s, coed and women’s softball leagues. Organized adult leagues are operated and maintained from funds generated from individual user fees and team participation fees. Youth Leagues are supported by tax dollars and user fees.

Special note should be made of the Department's "Special Friend's" program and its Adult Tours, both of which have been very popular. The Special Friends program provides "fun” activities for mentally and physically disabled individuals ranging from dances to overnight excursions. The Adult Tours program offers trips in the area to places of note and caters to the growing senior citizen population in the area.

Other recreation programs and special activities include the following:

• Elementary fun nights. In cooperation with the New Albany/Floyd County School Corporation, elementary school gymnasiums are used for special activities for children of elementary school age.

• Teen supervised recreation. Elementary school gyms, three gyms throughout the county, are available from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday for teen activities.

Parks Cumulative Capital Fund

Year Beginning Balance

% change Revenue

% change Expenditures

% change

Ending Balance

% change

2003 $146,913.37 $294,255.51 $136,497.53 $304,671.35

2004 $304,671.35 107.4% $183,602.18 -

37.6% $275,277.41 101.7% $213,002.12 -

30.1%

2005 $213,002.12 -30.1% $230,231.45 25.4% $284,430.37 3.3% $158,803.20 -

25.4%

2006 $158,803.20 -25.4% $163,262.37 -

29.1% $171,609.38 -39.7% $150,456.19 -5.3% 2007 $150,456.19 -5.3%

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• Adult open gym activities. Similar to the teen supervised recreation program, elementary school gyms are available for adult basketball.

• Summer special events. Special events held at community parks to improve public awareness and use of the parks system. Such events include basketball tournaments, concerts, art shows, teen swim night, fishing festivals, children’s games and concerts, and horseshoe tournaments.

• Cultural arts and instructional programs. Programs are offered throughout the year for all age groups. Programs are varied and range from gymnastics to Tae Kwon Do to dance.

Monthly events such as songfests, movies, workshops, puppet shows, and games are provided for residents 55 years and older. These events are held at the established senior citizen centers of Parkview Towers, Riverview Towers, and Mark Elrod Towers. Approximately 1,500 senior citizens are served. A five year breakdown of programming figures has been developed and can be view on Appendix E. Park Facility Analysis Several communities throughout the United States measure the level of service being provided by the adopting the park facility level of service standards set forth by the National Recreation and Park Association. This national association recommends a series of classification standards and level of service measurements for outdoor activities based on population. In addition to this service measurement standards scheme, the association also employs a classification system includes a hierarchy of park and recreation facilities based on an area to population ratio and a theoretically bounded

service area, ranging from small neighborhood facilities to large regional parks. Recreational Facilities Standards Analysis Using the National Parks and Recreation guidelines for park facilities analysis, a matrix has been created to analysis the current park facilities versus the national parks and recreation standards for certain facilities. The following matrix determined the national standard for those activities that are present within the New Albany-Floyd County Parks System Table IV.3 National Recreation and Parks Association Level of Service

National Recreation and Parks Association Level of Service Matrix

Recreational Facilities

Current LOS Parks Department

CommunityLOS

NRPA LOS Projection 2020

NPRA Parks LOS Facilities Projected 2020

Basketball Courts

17 18 15 +2

Tennis Courts 21 41 39 +19 Volleyball Courts

5 0 15 -10

Baseball/Softball Fields

7 17 15 +9

Football Fields 3 0 4 -1 Soccer Fields 6 2 8 0 Golf Course 27 holes 36 holes 18 holes +18 holes Swimming Pools 1 3 4 0 Trails/Paths 3 1 1 +3 The table has also examined existing facilities not under the control of the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department. These facilities are operated either by educational institutions like Indiana University

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Southeast or non-for profit leagues such as the Floyds Knobs Community Club Youth Baseball and Softball leagues. Incorporating these facilities in the review provides as actual a depiction of the total facilities available to the community for the listed activities. In analyzing the available facilities, their does not seem to be a pressing community need in terms of facilities. Either through the Parks Department, School Corporation or non-profit entities, the community is presently being well-served. However, as facilities are used and age, capital improvements will need to be made to the parks department inventory to maintain the current LOS for the community. Also, on-going communication between the parks and the various entities will need to be fostered and developed to insure the overall level of services of recreational facilities is maintained at the present community standard. Parkland Standards Analysis According to the National Recreation & Parks Association (NRPA) for every 1000 people, a range of 6.25 to 10 acre should be utilized as developed park land. The total acreage being used as parkland for Floyd County is 684. In breaking down the park categories, Floyd County has approximately 57 acres of land that is categorized as neighborhood parks, 240 acres as community park lands and 382 as being defined as special use parks facilities. The remaining acreage is administrative facilities.

The New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department presently meets the National Recreation and Parks Association population/acreage standard. The parks department has an average 9.66 acres per 1000 population. In the development of this plan, an analysis was conducted to determine accessibility of parkland to population centers. Projecting future needs based on population, the New Albany-Floyd County Parks system will need to acquire 82 more acres by 2020 to meet the projected population group of the County. Key long-term planning will be necessary to insure the system maintains the National Recreation and Parks Association standard and community level of service standard. Besides the development of the current community level of service standard for parkland, three analyses were conducted to determine a full impact of the parks system and to possibly identify any underlying issues in terms of location and parkland. The first analysis used United States Census Tract and Census Block Group data. In the analysis, the population of each census tract in relation to the acreage of parks was determined. Applying the NPRA standards through a GIS application, the results indicated areas where the immediate accessibility to parkland was lacking for the population size. The most glaring parkland deficit was located in the 710.01 and 709.01 census tracts. These tracts compose 24.8 percent of the population of the county, but, have only 5 acres of parks facilities. Four of those acres are the newly obtained Southern Indiana Sports Complex which is an indoor multi-use facility. In terms of open parkland, Herman Collier Park is the only parkland available for outdoor recreation. It is a one acre site located off Wabash Avenue.

Basketball Court at Herman Collier Park

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Smaller deficits are also seen in Census Tract 711.01which is located in Georgetown Township which is in the western portion of the County and Census Tract 703.02 which is located along the Silver Street Corridor in eastern section of the City of New Albany. The second parkland analysis conducted was to determine the percentage of population within a specific radius for each neighborhood and community parks in the system. For neighborhood parks, a ½ mile service ring was constructed to identify the level of service for these types of facilities. The following table gives the population served within each radius zone. The radius maps are provided in Appendix F. Table IV.4 Neighborhood Parks Population Service Rings Neighborhood Parks Population within ½ mile radius Bicknell 2,537 Binford 3,071 Division Street 2,326 Fairmont 2,342 Griffin Street 2,157 Herman Collier 480 Joe Kraft 1,556 Millerwood 1,971 SE Jones 2,681 Sertoma 1,327 From this analysis, the neighborhood parks in the system have a total population service area of 20,448. This figure represents that 43 percent of the total population in these corresponding ensus tract are within a ½ mile radius of a neighborhood park. Again, the largest deficit was in the Census Tract 710.01. Herman Collier Park is the only park in the tract and serves only 480 people within a ½ mile radius. This is 3 percent of the total

population within the tract. The ½ mile radius also indicates a hole in the Silver Street Corridor which was part of Census Tract 703.02. In terms of the community park analysis, a one mile radius was developed. The results of this analysis is located in table IV.5 Table IV.5 Community Park Population Service Rings Community Parks Population within 1 mile Galena-Lamb Park 888 Gary Cavan/Edwardsville Park 1,526 Greenville Park 591 Letty Walter Park 930 Sam Peden Community Park 12,477 Woodlands Park 327

From this analysis, the Sam Peden Community Park has the highest population service area with 12,477 people located within 1 mile of the facility. In the Sam Peden Community Park service area, 17 percent of the County’s total population resides. The second highest community park population service area is Gary Cavan/Edwardsville Park which has 1,526 people located within a 1 mile service ring from the park. Edwardsville serves approximate 2 percent of the population of the community within its area. The final analysis reviewed the age distribution of each census tract and the proximity of appropriate facilities located near these population. In the demographic profile, the age distribution data showed several tracts having higher than the County’s age distribution average for certain age groups. In particular, this analysis considered the tracts having higher than average percentage for children under the age of 9 and over the age of 65.

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For the areas that indicated a higher than community average for children under the age of 9, census tract 708.01 had the highest percentage with 23 percent of the population being under 9. A map of this census tract and the parks located in its proximity has been provided. Map IV.1 Census Tract 708.01 Age Analysis

Two neighborhood parks and one community park have service rings in this census tract. The two primary parks are Binford Park, as a neighborhood park, and Sam Peden as a community park. Griffin Street Center’s ½ mile service ring does enter into the tract, however, it serves only a small segment of the entire tract. Additional tracts having a higher average of children under the age of 9 included census tract 705 (16 percent) located in the western section of New

Albany and census tract 702 (16 percent) located in eastern section of the city. Tract 705 is served by Griffin Street Center and tract 702 is within the Bicknell and Division Street service area. Likewise, the Census Tract with the highest percentage of population over the

age 65 is Census tract is 703.01. This tract is located in the eastern portion of the City of New Albany. It is within the ½ mile neighborhood service ring of three parks, Sertoma, Fairmont and Millerwood. Consideration for senior recreational activities should be made for each of these parks or one of these

parks could be designated for more senior activities. Analysis Conclusion The New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department presently meet the National Recreation and Parks Standards in terms of overall land dedication. Using the current level of service standard in terms of acreage, the department will need to procure an additional 82 acres by 2020 if the population increases to 79,000. In terms of functional recreational facilities meeting the national standards, the community does meet the national standards for facilities. This is due to external organizations supplying certain facilities to the public like the school corporation and local youth sports organizations.

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As one applies a deeper analysis regarding land dedication, an immediate finding becomes apparent. While the overall county meets the standards, once the standard is set to census tract level, the level of service gaps are more noticeable. This is especially of concern when the census tract with the largest population has the smallest amount of available parkland. Additional gaps in park land coverage are also present in other areas of the community. The second analysis again indicates a need for park facilities in the eastern section of the county. Also, the neighborhood parks service ring analysis shows a lack of service- along the Silver Street corridor. The third analysis was based on age distribution and identifying areas where there was a higher amount of either youth or seniors than the county average. Determining facilities and programming opportunities within these areas with a higher concentration of either children or seniors, should be a focal point for the parks system. For example, a park with a playground would be most likely to be utilized by a parent and their young child, as opposed to a park with hiking trails throughout or a special use park facility. This analysis indicated a strong presence of children under the age of 9 in the 708.01 Census Tract. This tract borders State Street, Daisy Lane and Graybrook Lane. The immediate park facility is Binford Park. Likewise, senior-bases activities should be considered in area along Slate Run Road due to the high amount of senior citizens living in the area. The immediate park facility in this area is Sertoma Park.

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V. Accessibility and Universal Design

Statement of Accessibility New Albany-Floyd County Parks Department strives to provide adequate accessibility to all of the residents of Floyd County. As part of a compliance settlement with the Department of Justice and the City of New Albany in 2001, the Parks Department has completed a series of corrective measures to bring the parks facilities into compliance. The parks department has finished those measures. The parks department expended a great deal of staff and financial resources to ensure the parks facilities are accessible and in compliance with all compliance settlement agreement. The New Albany-Floyd County Parks Department has conducted a self-evaluation of the following areas to determine if the parks department meets all of the accessibility requirements. Current Accessibility From the evaluation, the following system wide improvements have been identified. The parks department as part of its action plan will identify an implementation schedule and funding sources for these items. System Wide Improvements

1. Restrooms: All of the County Park Facilities are in need of upgraded, ADA accessible restrooms.

2. Parking: Provided designated spaces as required.

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3. Signage: Improve accessibility signage throughout the system as needed.

4. Pathways: Improve accessible pathways from parking lots to tennis courts, basketball courts, and shelter houses.

5. Provide recessed ramp into at least one tennis court. 6. Continue measures to make all parks accessible. 7. Transportation: Provide accessible transportation to off-site locations. 8. Registration:

Provide TDD accesses, Communicate to agencies that service handicapped that

programs are available, Assist in any way possible to allow handicapped to participate,

such as helping visually impaired fill out forms. Adapt programs as much as possible to allow participation by

handicapped individuals. Provide large print information.

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VI. Community Needs Assessment

Public Participation The New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department employed several participation methods to ensure public input in the planning process. The department conducted a community-based random sample survey, four public input meetings, various stakeholder meetings and telephone interviews. The parks department also conducted a parks board workshop session to discuss the information gathered through these processes and to provide an avenue to develop the overall goals and objectives of the new five year plan. The final component of the parks public participation effort was to conduct a public hearing on the draft plan. This public hearing met Indiana’s statutory requirement for public hearings and was conducted December 18, 2007. Appendix G has all related material associated with the public participation process. Survey In an effort to better understand residents’ current attitudes and interests with regard to community parks and recreation; conducted a mail survey of residents in late summer 2007. The mailing list was composed of households randomly selected from county records. A total of 1,000 surveys were mailed and 227 useable surveys were returned. The 22.7% response rate is typical of postal survey response rates which range from 15-25%. The data was analyzed looking at the county as a whole and then looking at the city and township of New Albany in comparison to the rest of the county. The survey was designed by Mr. Don Lopp in cooperation with the parks

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department. The results were tabulated, analyzed, and written up by Eldon Little and Frank Wadsworth, professors at Indiana University Southeast. General Discussion The survey results suggest that overall citizens are satisfied with and supportive of the Floyds County Parks Department. The general impression from the survey is that respondents were generally satisfied with what is currently offered but would like to see services and availability expanded. The strongest supported areas for expansion were in the areas of walking/biking paths, nature preserves, and enhanced youth activities. There was much less support for “big ticket” facilities. There were no major differences between the New Albany city and township responses and the responses of the rest of the county. In general the community seems satisfied with the Parks Department. Over half of the community agreed or strongly agreed with the statement. Over thirty percent responded “Not Sure” and only seventeen percent disagreed or strongly disagreed. The high “Not Sure” responses may suggest that the Parks Department may lack visibility in some parts of the community. The responses to this set of questions, while more positive than negative suggest that many respondents would like to see recreational opportunities enhanced in the community. This response is further supported by many of the suggestions made in the open-ended portion of the survey. Investment alternatives The responses to the recreational alternatives suggest that the community would like to see more investment in biking/walking trails, nature preserves and playgrounds with special attention paid to facilities for our youth.

With the exception of modest support for an aquatics center there appears to be little support for facilities requiring “big ticket” buildings or equipment. The top five preferences were as follows: Table VI.1 Community Survey Investment Alternatives

Choice Percent Strongly Agree or Agree

Cycling/Walking trails 78.6%

Nature preserve 69.9% Youth based activities 62.9%

Parks within walking distance of home

58.5%

New playgrounds within existing system

55.4%

Current Utilization Only seventeen percent of the respondents currently use a New Albany/Floyd County park facility once or more a week and less than half (49.3%) use the parks once a month. Over one quarter of the respondents never use the community parks. The response to this question as well as the open-ended suggestions may indicate a need for enhancement and expansion of the park facilities so that a greater proportion of our citizens will be able to enjoy recreational opportunities in their community.

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While an aquatics center was one of the higher ranked (6th) recreational opportunities and one of the more frequently mentioned suggestions in the open-ended section of the survey, current utilization of Camille Wright swimming pool represents a very small portion of the respondents. Les than three percent of the respondents indicated using the pool at least once a week and almost 87% indicated that they never use the pool. While over half of the respondents (55.3%) indicated they use the park they live closest to once a year or less, almost forty-five percent indicate that they use the park nearest their home at least once a month. This result indicates that good portions of the community are regular users of park facilities and many of them use the parks near their home. Increase taxes or fees In the open-ended portion of the survey the most frequently mentioned item was a concern about raising taxes. In light of this concern, the response to the “tax increase to fund” questions should be interpreted not so much as a green light to increase taxes, but as an indicator of importance to the community. The responses to the later questions about taxes confirm the previous question dealing with expansion of recreational opportunities. The highest rated response was cycling/walking paths followed by nature preserves and youth-based activities. All three were supported by over fifty percent of the respondents.

Table VI. 2 Community Survey Question Taxes and Fees Survey Question – I would be willing to consider a modest increase in either fees or taxes to assist in the funding the following: Creation of a series of walking and biking trails throughout the community

60.2 percent favorable

Creation of nature preserves

55 percent favorable

Development of youth-based activities

53.2 percent favorable

City/County Results Discussion City and county residents have very similar opinions and attitudes. City and county resident responses differ on only three questions. None of the differences were interpreted as an important difference for interpreting the data. The following are the differences between the city and county respondents: Question “I would prefer parks within walking distance of my home.” A larger percentage of city residents (67.2%) want parks within walking distance of their home than county residents (47.5%).

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Question, “In the past year I have used the new Southern Indiana Sports Complex.” About 8 of 10 city residents have never been to SICS, while 9 in 10 county residents have never been to SICS. Question, “How long have you lived in Floyd County?” Over 42% of city residents have lived in Floyd County less than 16 years. Twenty-three percent of county residents have Floyd County residents for less than 16 years. City residents have lived in Floyd County a shorter time than county residents. Open-Ended Question Content Analysis The following were the most commonly expressed concerns or opportunities by the respondents in the open-ended portion of the survey. 1. Opposition to increasing taxes (16) 2. Support for an aquatics center (8) 3. General support for the Parks Department (5, tie) 4. Support for enhanced youth activities (5, tie) 5. Support for biking and walking trails (5, tie) 6. Concerns about safety (4, tie) 7. Support for development of new parks (4, tie) 8. Concerns about sanitation (3) Survey Conclusion The results of the survey are very encouraging. An overall interpretation of the results would suggest a supportive community interested in selective enhancements and modest expansion. Respondents did not identify any major problems but did clearly suggest opportunities for improvement. The results indicate strong support for further developing “casual” recreational

options as opposed to team or structural recreation facilities and expanding youth activities. Overall the results suggest that current recreational opportunities are good and that the community is supportive of making them better. Public Forums The parks department conducted four public input meetings during the development of the five year plan. Below is a synapse of each meeting including discussion items, number of public participating and location of the public meeting. Public Meeting # 1 August 15, 2007 7PM Nathaniel Scribner Middle School 910 Old Vincennes Road New Albany, IN Attendance: 4 Main discussion items:

Financial development and capital improvement financing needs of the parks department.

Development of Cannon Acres Soccer Facility Capital Improvement Fund request to County Council

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Public Meeting # 2 August 29, 2007 7PM Highland Hills Middle School 3492 Edwardsville-Galena Road Attendance: 2

Proposed new park property on Atkins Road Need for community natural preserves

Public Meeting # 3 October 30, 2007 6PM New Albany-Floyd County Library 180 W. Spring Street New Albany, IN Attendance: 8

How are improvements going to be paid for?** Co-operation with existing local groups such as Boy Scouts, Master

Gardening Clubs, IUS students, etc…** Structured Summer Activities** Future funding, Capital Campaign, and Public Private Partnership** Recommendations to tie land use decisions with growth areas How are we going to develop what we have already? Binford Park – Storm-water issues Soccer Fields – Cannon Acres not developed and on-going

operation/maintenance issues Connection of trails system with existing RR corridors and Knobstone Mowing less – More natural settings Horseback trails

Master Trail System Plan Baseball-Softball Complex in New Albany Nature education Safe usage of woodlands Possible fishing and canoeing

Public Meeting # 4 November 8, 2007 6PM New Albany-Floyd County Library 180 W. Spring Street Attendance: 5

How are improvements going to be paid for? Co-operation with existing local groups such as Boy Scouts, Master

Gardening Clubs, IUS students, etc… Future funding, Capital Campaign, and Public Private Partnership** Soccer Fields – Cannon Acres not developed and on-going

operation/maintenance issues Mowing less – More natural settings

Park Board Workshop November 13, 2007 New Albany –Floyd County Parks Department 1721 Ekin Avenue New Albany, IN Attendance: 8

Capital Projects and Phasing Programs Funding Sources Development of Five Year Capital Needs

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Public Hearing # 1 Public Hearing # 1 December 18, 2007 Community Stakeholders The plan identified four stakeholders besides the general public regarding the new plan. These stakeholders ranged from the City of New Albany Officials to County Council members. Also, telephone interviews were conducted with youth and community organizations which utilize the park’s system. The parks department staff was also interviewed to gain insight in relationship to the internal management and operation of the parks department. Stakeholder Meeting # 1 May 17, 2007 Southern Indiana Wheelman Clarksville Library Attendance: 35 members

Strong interest in bicycle lanes and paths Strong interest in development of safe routes Strong interest in encouraging more bicycle activities

Stakeholder Meeting # 2 October 31, 2007 New Albany Planning Staff Attendance: 2

Planning for bicycle and pedestrian trail system Incorporate school park system within Silver Street and Grant Line

Road Connection with Greenways Development of Binford Park Future renovation of Camille Wright Pool

Stakeholder Meeting # 3 November 8, 2007 New Albany Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department

Need to promote programming with more emphasis on marketing Outsourcing mowing has been a value add to parks maintenance and

operation Little to no outside funding sources through government or private

grants Offices need to be centralized location Programming

o More Staff o Move office to centralized location (SISC) o More family-oriented events, activities, partnering activities o Themed playground with learning activities o Programs aimed at youth

Facilities o Operation and maintenance in terms of weeds in sidewalks and

infrastructure needs o Greenville and Galena Lamb Park roadways and parking areas o Dog Park o Joe Kraft Park – bad shape o Division Street Park – functionality o New Teen Center

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o Camille Wright – rehabilitation o Practice facilities for team youth sports o Griffin Street Center and grounds in need of renovation o Sertoma - playground and restroom facilities o Batting Cages

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VII. Priorities and Action Schedule

Park Board—Parks & Recreation Department—Master Plan Goals The setting of goals is the most important process in any community planning endeavor. Through the establishment of goals and objectives, a community is setting its priorities and standards. While the planning process is an on-going process, the planning goals help to establish a long-range vision for the community in its relationship to parks and recreation. The development of these goals and the creation of a financially feasible implementation action step are critical to the success of this process. The New Albany-Floyd County Master Parks and Recreation Plan is divided into two parts: a set of recommended action items to be undertaken within a five year period and the development a conceptual cost matrix for the implementation cost of these recommended action items. The short range five-year plan is designed to meet the requirements set forth from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources in terms of the development of an action plan with estimated costs and potential funding sources identified. Planning Comments and Recommendations New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department has a professional staff interested in the betterment of the department and its facilities. The Department does an excellent job of maintenance and general operations of the programming and parks facilities. There is a good nucleus of public recreation areas and facilities. However, the strains of rising participation in programs, especially softball, basketball, walking, running and indoor exercise are being felt. The Department’s staff and its operating budget are not adequately funded to meet the many different programs needs by City and County residents.

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Continuing Goals Statement The statements below represent the goals identified in the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Master Plan prepared in 1975. They apply equally to today's climate and are included here to demonstrate the continuity strived for by local community leaders.

1. Continue to assess the recreation needs and interests of the community on a regular basis so as to guide decisions on how best to meet these needs.

2. Develop a park or playground system that will provide a

recreational facility within a reasonable walking distance of all residents of New Albany, and a reasonable driving distance of the residents of rural Floyd County.

3. Reserve and/or acquire park space in the growing areas within

Floyd County in advance of expected development assuring future residents accessible open space and protecting significant natural features.

4. Integrate school property and facilities into the park system.

5. Continue to strengthen intergovernmental and interagency

relationships to achieve increased cooperation.

6. Prioritize the expansion of parks according to their importance in a particular classification and the difficulty of expansion opportunities. Development of a decision matrix is essential. Give preference to maintenance over expansion when limited resources are available.

7. Pursue park expansion through the development of a park’s foundation which will solicit donations and other private/public funds.

. 8. Accept or acquire new parks only if they are of the desirable

size, meet an underserved area or population of the community, and provide a unique recreational opportunity. Desirable park sizes for parks are as follows: i.e., one to five acres to; ten acres for neighborhood parks; 30 acres for community parks and 250+ acres for regional parks. .

9. Accept park land as a conservation easement if funds for public

maintenance cannot be identified.

10. Maintenance of existing facilities and the expansion of

maintenance capabilities will be the top priority for the next five years.

11. Coordinate security with the local police and sheriff’s

departments to ensure visitors feel safe in all parks.

.

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Administrative and Financial Recommendations

Recommendation # 1 – Development of a Parks Foundation and a long-range Capital Improvement Plan This Parks Foundation would assist the Parks Department in the development of a long range Capital Campaign designed to provide a stable source of capital project funding for the Parks Department. The creation a viable long-range Capital Improvement Plan which would allow the parks department to prioritize its major capital expenditures and progressively anticipate capital needs.

Recommendation # 2 –Creation of a Unified Marketing Program

Creation of a unified marketing program will enhance visibility within community in terms of programming and facilities. This would include uniformed signage for all facilities and target marketing efforts to increase participation in park programming. Expanded usage of the website and updating park activities on a quarterly basis should be pursued. Highlighting programming or facilities through the website and local publications such as the Tribune and Banner Gazette will increase visibility throughout the community.

Recommendation # 3 – Financial and Operational Benchmarks

Conduct a financial and operational audit to create a benchmarking system to illustrate impact of parks system programming and facilities within the community. Publicize the availability and value of programs, events, activities and facilities offered by or in conjunction with the New Albany Floyd County park system.

Recommendation # 5 – Community Funding Mechanics

Explore alternative funding mechanisms available to the Parks Department like Cumulative Capital Fund, Grants, and Development Impact Fees. Define the most feasible mechanism and implement the development of such mechanisms.

Recommendation # 6 – Review Financial Operations and Lease

Agreements Review all current lease agreements with special use facilities to determine if lease provisions should be updated and establish a targeted accounting tracking system for special use programming and facilities

Programming Recommendations

Recommendation # 1 – Public-Private Partnerships

Pursue and develop new public-private partnerships in areas such as programming and funding opportunities which would include the development of Ad-Hoc or special task force committees to spur interest and increase visibility in park system Continue to develop intergovernmental and interagency relationships to coordinate the development of recreation facilities and services provided by all levels of government, nonprofit organizations, voluntary, private, industrial and commercial agencies and religious groups.

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Recommendation # 2– Teaching Opportunities and Youth Service Organizations As part of the public-private partnership and park’s foundation efforts, a component should be the development of potential partnerships with community organizations. The Parks Department should develop private sector sponsorship for the expansion or development of park facilities, establish a comprehensive list of facilities and programs provided by public, quasi-public and private agencies and coordinate with groups in an effort to provide additional educational opportunities.

Recommendation # 3 – Community Gardening Program Development of a partnership with the county extension office and local master gardening group to begin transforming selected areas of the park which are currently being mowed into areas with native plantings and low maintenance plans. The park board should partner with local gardening groups to create a community gardening program.

Recommendation # 4 – Review and Develop a Quantitative

Programming Benchmark System Review recreational programs and departmental services and focus on quality of programs and services, rather that quantity. Design a programming benchmarking system that will provide a measurable matrix for evaluating programming activities. Design programming activities that recognize socioeconomic trends affecting the recreation programs provided in the community

Facilities Recommendations (Neighborhood Parks)

Recommendation # 1 – New Neighborhood Parks and Urban Spaces Work with local land use and planning department to establish regulations within subdivision control ordinance and plan unit development criteria for neighborhood parks to be incorporated into developments within City and County jurisdictions. Areas underserved by either a neighborhood or community park need identification in City and County’s Comprehensive Plan documents. Continue to identify and support urban open space areas that are important to the quality of life in areas of intense development. Urban open space areas most often include plazas and squares in or near major concentrations of commercial, financial or institutional activities. Discourage the acceptance of open space areas by the Parks Department unless a dedicated source of funding is provided specifically for their maintenance.

Recommendation # 2 – Master Plan for Joe Kraft Park and Griffin Street Center Develop a Master Park Plan to determine opportunities for expansion and use of facility utilizing University of Louisville Urban Planning School

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Recommendation # 3 – Division Street Park

Remove facility from inventory due to lack of functionality

Recommendation # 4 – Playground and Shelter Inventory Develop a playground, athletic court and shelter inventory which would be designed to determine useful life status and when replacement or repairs need to occur.

Recommendation # 5 – Operation and Maintenance Activities Provide on-going operational and maintenance on park facilities as warranted.

Facilities (Community Parks)

Recommendation # 1 – Binford Park Renovations Revise current Binford Park Master Plan to incorporate elements determined by surrounding neighborhood residents and community organizations to revitalize park area.

Recommendation # 2 – Renovation to Road System Galena Lamb and Greenville Parks All community parks should have on-going operational and maintenance activities with special attention paid to road system within Galena Lamb and Greenville Parks

Facilities (Special Use Facilities)

Recommendation # 1 – Prioritizing and Phasing Capital Projects Conceptual cost estimates indicate $12 million in new capital improvement projects for Cannon Acres Soccer Complex, Woodlands, and Binford Park. Board will need to prioritize these into short and long range endeavors.

Recommendation # 2 – Senior League Baseball Facility Assist in coordination of a senior league baseball field at the Billy Herman Baseball Complex as a short-range solution to baseball facilities. A long-range baseball facilities plan for the entire system should be considered as a long-range planning activity.

Recommendation # 3 – Master Facilities Plan for Camille Wright Pool, Youth Sports, Community Center and Administrative Buildings Creation of a feasible master facilities plan which will enhance facilities usage, the Parks Department should pursue funding to employ outside professional consultants for these efforts.

Recommendation # 4 – Master Bike and Pedestrian Trail Plan Develop a master trail plan utilizing various grant funding sources and locations of community integrated trail system. Parks Department should utilize funding opportunities such as Transportation Enhancement and CMAQ funding for trail planning and development.

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Implementation Matrix

The following implementation matrix has been constructed to provide the New Albany-Floyd County Parks and Recreation Department and Board with a feasible action plan that can be implemented. Potential or prospective funding sources have been identified in an effort to focus the board’s funding efforts and to identify potential sources of outside funding.

Year 1

Total Funding

Parks Funding

Sources

Cannon Acres Phase 1

$75,000 $75,000 Local

Woodlands Phase 1

$186,000 $0 LWCF Grant

Senior League Baseball

$15,000 $0 School

Master Facility Plan (Camille .Wright , Youth Sports, and Administration Building)

$75,000 $50,000 Local and CFF Grant

On-going Operation and Maintenance

$25,000 $25,000 Local

Year 1 Total $351,000 $150,000

Year 2

Total Funding

Parks Funding

Sources

Cannon Acres Phase 1

$75,000 $75,000 Local

Master Bike and Pedestrian Trail Plan

$25,000 $5,000 Local and KIPDA funding

On-going Operation and Maintenance

$25,000 $25,000 Local

Year 2 Total $125,000 $105,000

Year 3

Total Funding

Local Funding

Sources

Binford Renovation Plan

$40,000 $20,000 Local and CFF funding

Galena Road System Improvements

$50,000 $50,000 Local

On-going Operation and Maintenance

$25,000 $25,000 Local

Year 3 Total $115,000 $95,000

Year 4

Total Funding

Local Funding

Sources

Woodlands Phase 1

$50,000 $50,000 Local

On-going Operation and Maintenance

$25,000 $25,000 Local

Year 4 Total $75,000 $75,000 Local

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Year 5

Total Funding

Local Funding

Sources

Cannon Acres Phase 2 $50,000 $50,000 Local

Woodlands Phase 2

$50,000 $50,000 Local

Greenville Road System

$50,000 $50,000 Local

On-going Operation and Maintenance

$25,000 $50,000 Local

Year Five Total $175,000 $175,000

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References

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Appendices

A. New Albany-Floyd County Planning Area B. Park Board Membership C. Park Department Organizational Chart D. Individual Park Inventory E. Five Year Programming History F. Service Radius Maps G. Public Hearing

APPENDIX B NEW ALBANY-FLOYD COUNTY PARKS BOARD, 2007

Kevin Hammersmith Floyd County Circuit Court Judge Appointment 1102 Pinewood Drive Republican Lanesville, Indiana 47136 6th Term 2004-2007 Debbie Hubbard Mayor of New Albany Appointment 1731 Millerwood Drive Democrat, 3rd Term 2005-2008 New Albany, IN 47150 Leland Lang Floyd County Circuit Court Judge Appointment 2710 Klerner Court Democrat New Albany, IN 47150 7th Term 2006-2009 Scott Burch Mayor of New Albany Appointment 2508 Schell Lane Republican New Albany, IN 47150 1st Term 2005-2008 Derrick Booker Mayor of New Albany Appointment 215 Pimlico Drive Democrat New Albany, IN 47150 1st Term 2004-2007 Joe Perkins Floyd County Council Appointment 4407 Country View Drive Democrat Floyds Knobs, IN 47119 2nd Term 2007-2010 Tom Millea Floyd County Council Appointment 4615 Shady View Democrat Floyds Knobs, IN 47119 1st Term 2005-2008 Steve LaDuke Mayor of New Albany Appointment 3134 Periwinkle Way Republican New Albany, IN 47150 1st Term 2007-2010 Scott Klink Mayor of New Albany Appointment 4208 Danny Drive Republican New Albany, IN 47150 1st Term 2003-2006, 2nd Term 2007-2010 Sharon Gardner Floyd County Commissioners Appointment P.O. Box 389 Democrat Greenville, IN 47124 6th Term 2004-2007

Appendix C New Albany-Floyd County

Parks and Recreation Department Staff Superintendent (vacant) Assistant Superintendent Kathleen Wilkerson Recreation Program Director Andrea Holbrook Recreation Coordinator Sherry Stroud Sports Program Director Greg Caufield Athletic Director Brent Harrison Maintenance Director Gary Hall Maintenance Staff Steve Dewitt Brian Fouts Jason Larson Steve Stroud Kenneth Craig (vacant) Arborist (vacant) Administrative Assistant Judi Hubbard

Appendix E

Enrollments2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total

Gymnastics 551 512 397 451

Dance 35 NA NA NA NA 35

Swim Lessons 262 280 213 269

Arts & Crafts 88 48 27 21

Miscellaneous Youth 100 31 85 NA

Miscellaneous Adult NA 65 10 NA

Sports 148 NA NA 390

Adult 37 NA NA NA

Special Needs 5 NA NA NA

Senior High Rise Trips 319 505 615 835

Softball 4850 4850 3200 3120

Basketball 90 90 NA 56

Volleyball NA NA NA 280

Dodgeball NA NA NA 3666

Pool Passes NA 327 343 204 227 1101

Swim Team 117 102 166 179 176 740

Pool Parties 14 7 10 11 14 56

NAHA Pool Passes NA 607 1791 NA

Senior Special Events NA 318 NA NA

Tennis NA 27 26 NA

Golf NA 108 127 NA

Average Daily Center Attendance NA 160 NA NA NA 160

Exercise NA NA 232 454